The position is in the Radiology Department at the Knoxville, TN VA Outpatient Clinic where the incumbent performs a variety of routine and complex radiographic, MRI and CT examinations. The incumbent is experienced and certified to perform X-ray, CT and MRI studies when required during day shift, after hours, weekends, holidays and on call. The incumbent assists the radiologist/physician in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients.

Duties

Functions or Duties of this position include but are not limited to: General Radiology Reviews request for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Receives patients and ensures proper identification. The technologist provides patient education consistent with requested exam. Continually assesses the condition and the needs of the patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy. Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams. Utilizes textbooks and radiologist to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques. Processes images by using (DR) Digital radiography, including specific exposure requirements, and digital post-processing techniques to optimize image quality. Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of the DR network and interface with the VISTA imaging and PACs and contingency procedures for manually entering patient demographics and routing images. MRI Receives patients and ensures proper identification. Provides patient education. Continually assesses the condition and needs of patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy before placing the patient in the MRI scanner. Interviews each patient before the examination to determine if the patient has a contraindication for MRI. The MRI Technologist functions as an expert, regarding software and hardware capability and performance of the MRI unit. The technologist selects the proper pulse sequences to best demonstrate the patients' pathology. The technologist optimizes each system parameter to obtain optimal images. Maintains protocol exam booklet, which includes, positioning, acquisition parameters and orientation of slices. The technologist makes recommendations to improve, maintain, and to update the MRI protocols for the radiologist. The technologist effectively coordinates with physicians, nurses, patients and other medical personnel of the Veterans Administration Hospital, to assure that the service is carried out in a prompt and effective manner. Maintains highest quality patient supervision, monitoring patients' condition with specialized equipment keeping constant check on vital signs and the patient's comfort. CT CT duties will include but are not limited to: a full range of diagnostic examinations; complex CT angiography; 3-D computer reconstruction; and complex computer measurements and manipulations. The incumbent practices ALARA principles with an emphasis on image gently image wisely in performance of required duties. All CT images must be of acceptable diagnostic quality, as determined by the interpreting Radiologist. Each image should stand on its own. ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles will be followed during all examinations to ensure the Veteran receives the lowest necessary radiation dose. This includes, but is not limited to proper coning, centering, parameter selection, and shielding. After evaluating the exam requisition, technologist should play an active role in the examination planning process. Technologist should be able to select the right protocols. Technologist may help CT scheduling MSA's to schedule cases. Sends images to PACS; ensures images are transmitted successfully. The technologist properly identifies images with patient's full name and social security number. Case editing of patients must be done for each exam to indicate completeness. Case editing must be completed in the computer before advancing to the next exam. The CT Technologist must have knowledge of the medical equipment that may be attached to the patient when they are in the Radiology Service for their examination. To ensure that diagnostic quality exams are obtained, the Technologist performs basic patient physical examination and review of appropriate laboratory data and tailors the examination and image acquisition on a case-by-case basis. The technologist starts intravenous lines, monitors vital signs, and acts as first assistant to the physician in the performance of all CT-guided procedures. Receives patient, explains methods of procedure, positions patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Monitors the examination by checking the computation, performance and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images. Prepares IV contrast as necessary and injects patients with contrast media under supervision of a Radiology physician to enhance tissue, lesions, etc. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60384-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. BOTH THE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Criteria is described in Additional Information below. Grade Determinations: GS-10 The Computed Tomography specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G-25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address James H Quillen VA Medical Center Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684 US
• Name: David Wiseman
• Phone: (614) 935-3242
• Email: [email protected]